Do You Disinfect? Experiences?

[jucs]

I bought some disinfectant from our host and that stuff looked toxic. I had not read the FAQ (my bad) after emailing them they directed me to it.

What's your experiences? Do you do it? Precautions? Mixing it in? Etc.

Thanks!

[Hawthorne]

I have never disinfected and I have been on cpap for 7+ years. I wash my mask pillows/cushions, every day and the hose and the rest of the mask every 2 weeks or so. I used to do it more often but it doesn't seem necessary unless I am sick. I change my machine filters on the suggested schedule as well. In allergy season, I change the white filters more often than suggested.

I have always used Ivory Dishwashing Liquid in warm water for all that. I have not had a problem.

I have read about the disinfecting stuff and am uncomfortable with it since any residual smell would really set off my allergies and I don't like the sound of the warnings with that stuff.

[WearyOne]

I have never disinfected anything either, and I'm getting close to three years on cpap. I do change the filters as recommended, or more often if it seems necessary. I air things out, wash the cushions/pillows every day (something instead of washing, I use the wipes).

[Gerryk]

I disinfect basically by washing in in warm water then rinsing in hot water with the soap I normally use. I only do the hot water part when I have been sick. It's not really disinfecting but it makes me feel better.

Gerry

[JohnBFisher]

I disinfect basically by washing in in warm water then rinsing in hot water with the soap I normally use. I only do the hot water part when I have been sick. It's not really disinfecting but it makes me feel better.

Like Gerryk, I only rinse my humidifier, hose and mask after I've had a serious cold or lung infection. And only if I am using the humidifier. (I live in a humid part of the country, so it is not always necessary for me). So, that works out to about once a year or so in the 18+ years that I've been using it.

And frankly, I only do that to help clear the smell. Otherwise, since I use distilled water (though someone wisely noted if you dump the tank after every use, even that is not necessary), it just does not need to be disinfected.

Oh, on a side note, I found that using the extra fine filter also helped me keep my lungs clear. It's certainly not a bacterial filter, but it is a cheap way to keep the inside of the unit (and me) clear of dust. It appears to help me.

[Sleeprider]

Disinfection is relative. If you wash pillows, mask etc in Dawn, it is disinfected. Very few bacteria or viruses survive basic washing with soap. I wouldn't suggest it for intervenous use, but good enough for CPAP.

[OldLincoln]

I have gotten slime in my water tank and washed it real good - hot water Joy and 2 paper towels that I slosh around to wipe all sides, then i rinse and fill with diluted Control III solution and let it sit a few minutes. Then rinse very well, with the last one using distilled water. Then fill with distilled water and use. It may be overkill but I feel better about it.

[sagesteve]

I use Control III. It works great and easy to use. You can run a search here and buy it at cpap.com. It's what they recommend too.

[thewetlizard]

No, I don't disinfect. I'm lucky to get the stuff cleaned once a week! I guess I have to wear my cpap more than twice a week to get it dirty also!

[Muse-Inc]

As the last part of cleaning, after rinsing while still wet, I spray the silicon parts, the hard plastic shell, am my humidifier tub with while vinegar and let sit a few minutes before sinsing very well and letting air dry. Vinegar is a disinfectant. It's also great at removing soap residues.